Getting your building permit issued is a big milestone. But it’s not the finish line. It’s the start of construction, inspections and, eventually, final sign-off. This is where many investors lose momentum — usually because nobody told them clearly who’s responsible for what next.
Where Our Services End
For most projects, our standard services are complete when we email you the approved building permit and stamped drawings. That’s the deliverable you hired us for: a designed, coordinated and approved project.
If you need us during construction, we can be retained for additional services, like answering contractor questions, preparing permit revisions or making site visits. These are outside our standard permit scope and are quoted separately.
One important exception: on larger buildings designed under Part 3 of the Building Code (common for commercial-to-residential conversions), the Code requires general review of construction by an architect and/or engineer. If that applies to your project, we’ll tell you upfront and include it in the plan.
Who Takes Over: Your General Contractor
Once the permit is issued, your general contractor (GC) takes the lead. Their responsibilities typically include:
- Coordinating trades, staff and the construction schedule
- Building in line with the approved drawings
- Booking the required inspections with the City at each stage
- Fixing any items the inspector flags
- Working toward the final inspection so the project can be passed for use
If you already have a GC — great. Send them the permit and drawings right away so they can lock in trades and start dates.
If you don’t have a GC yet — you have two options. We can connect you with contractors we’ve worked with and trust, or you can find and vet your own. Either way, start this early. Good contractors are booked months ahead.
The Owner’s Responsibilities
Even with a GC, some things stay with you as the owner:
- Post the permit on site where it’s visible, and keep the approved drawings on site.
- Don’t change the design without approval. Any change to the approved drawings — moving walls, adding units, changing structure — generally needs a permit revision first. Building it first and asking later is how Orders get issued.
- Keep your insurance current. Talk to your broker about builder’s risk coverage and whether your policy changes while the building is under construction or vacant.
- Keep consultants available. Engineers may need to review site conditions or provide letters during construction.
- Pay attention to deadlines — especially the next one.
The 6-Month Rule
Under the Building Code Act, the Chief Building Official may revoke your permit if:
- Construction hasn’t seriously started within 6 months of the permit being issued, or
- Construction is substantially suspended or discontinued for more than one year.
Municipalities often send a notice before revoking, and many allow you to request an extension. Extension requests usually come with a City fee — budget roughly $200 to $300, though it varies by municipality. But don’t count on an extension being granted. A revoked permit can mean reapplying, paying fees again and potentially facing newer code requirements.
If your start date is uncertain because of financing, tenants or contractor availability, tell us early. It’s far easier to plan around than to fix afterwards.
Tenants: Vacant Space Is the Owner’s Responsibility
If there are tenants in the space where work will happen, it’s the owner’s responsibility to make sure that space is vacant before construction starts. Doing construction with tenants still living in the work area is unsafe, and contractors and inspectors won’t accept it.
This has to be done legally:
- The Residential Tenancies Act applies. Ending a tenancy for renovations generally requires an N13 notice with at least 120 days’ notice, plus tenant rights such as compensation and the right to return in many cases.
- Some cities add their own rules. In Hamilton, the Renovation Licence and Relocation By-law (in effect since January 1, 2025) requires landlords to apply for a renovation licence within 7 days of serving an N13, and to submit documents such as the building permit and a report confirming vacant possession is needed. Other municipalities have adopted or are considering similar rules.
- Get legal advice. Speak with a paralegal or lawyer who handles landlord-tenant matters before you serve any notice.
The big takeaway: tenant timelines often run longer than permit timelines. Plan them together from day one, not after the permit is issued.
What Delays Projects After the Permit
- No contractor lined up, so the permit sits
- Tenants not vacated on time
- Financing not ready for the construction draw
- Field changes made without permit revisions, leading to failed inspections
- Inspections booked late or missed entirely
Final Inspection and Occupancy
The project ends when the final inspection is passed and the City closes the permit. For new units, don’t rent them out until the City has passed the work for occupancy. Occupying early can expose you to orders, insurance problems and liability.
How Rojas Empire of Design Helps After the Permit
- Contractor referrals from our network if you don’t have a GC yet
- Permit revisions if the design changes during construction (additional service)
- Construction-phase support and site visits, where required or requested
- General review on Part 3 projects where the Code requires it
Final Thoughts
The permit is the key that opens the door to construction. The investors who finish on time are the ones who already have their contractor, tenant plan and financing lined up before the permit is issued.
Almost at permit stage? Talk to us about what comes next. We’ll help you plan the handoff so your project keeps moving.
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